Europe-wide Green eMotion initiative to pave the way for electric vehicles

The Irish launch of an EU funded electric vehicle project took place on Tuesday, June 21st, in Dublin. A total of 42 partners involving car manufacturers, energy utilities, universities, and technology and research institutions across Europe are joining forces in the Green eMotion EU Project to advance the use of electric vehicles.

Starting off the Green eMotion project in Ireland: Dr John Hegarty (Provost, TCD), Padraig McManus (CEO, ESB), Minister Pat Rabitte (Minister for Communication, Energy and Natural Resources) (left to right)

Four of the partners based in Ireland – ESB, Trinity College Dublin, Codema and Cork City Council – will receive €1.5 million in funding out of a total budget of €24 million. The Green eMotion EU Project was launched at Trinity College by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Mr Pat Rabbitte, who congratulated the Irish partners in taking the lead in a significant EU wide research project.

The four-strong consortium will work together to conduct research and studies into national electric car use and the different technologies that can be deployed to maximize sustainable transport methods.

As well as contributing to the overall objectives, the Irish partners are to develop the design criteria for electric vehicle charging networks, fleet management of electric vehicles and to study the connection and construction techniques for charging points. More advanced charging systems are being developed as part of the project and some of these will be field trialed in Ireland.

One of the key objectives of the Green eMotion project is to develop European processes, standards and IT solutions that allow electric vehicle motorists easy and seamless access to charging infrastructure and related services throughout the European Union. Standardization is also a key factor for a fast and cost-efficient European roll-out of electric car infrastructure.

 

Left to right: Senan McGrath (Chief Technology Officer, ESB ecars), Norbert Vierheilig (Siemens), Dr. John Hegarty (Provost, TCD), Padraig McManus (CEO, ESB), Minister Pat Rabitte (Minister for Communication, Energy and Natural Resources), Gerry Wardell (Director Codema), Professor Margaret O'Mahony (Professor of Civil Engineering, TCD) Left to right: Professor Margaret O' Mahony (Professor of Civil Engineering, TCD), Padraig McManus (CEO, ESB), Timothy Hayes (Head of Information, European Commission Representative in Ireland), Gerry Wardell (Director, Codema)

ESB Chief Executive, Padraig McManus, said that a pan-European approach was the best formula for the practical promotion of electric transport and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Green eMotion is intended to ensure the fast-track success of electric vehicles. “The aim of this project is to bring together the best technologies and academic research in order to develop a sustainable transport system that finds acceptance among the driving public. It is an integrated European approach to deploy electric transport, including vehicles, infrastructure, grid, IT applications and user acceptance“, he said.

TCD’s Professor of Civil Engineering Margaret O’Mahony said the research to be undertaken by Trinity Engineering as part of Green eMotion “will answer key questions about battery range, how people use and charge electric vehicles, the potential impact of increasing numbers of electric vehicles in Ireland and the impact on the environment”.

The Director of Codema, Gerry Wardell, said that Dublin city currently emits five million tonnes of C02 each year. “By adopting more sustainable transport methods such as electric vehicles we could save up to 140 kilotonnes of C02 each year and achieve annual net cost savings of up to €27 million. Therefore we must move towards cleaner, green transport options in order to achieve our vision of an energy-smart city”, he added.

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